Lipad ng Pangarap (Flight of a Dream)

I know. I tend to become more serious whenever I write in English. I couldn't help it. It's really me, my way of writing, especially when I become a little emphatic about the subject matter. Just like what I saw on TV two days ago.

Singapore-based Channel News Asia ran a feature story about the Philippines and what it considers as its national hobby - singing. It highlighted that despite the country's rampant poverty, Filipinos manage to pursue their addiction to music, particularly singing, having put up karaoke in almost every home, on every street. A very inexpensive appliance, the karaoke (sing-along machine) itself was invented by a Filipino. And many of the most sought after singers and entertainers around the world are Filipinos. We even top the world's singing contests.

But what really caught my attention were the two kids featured in the program. These kids were from poor families. Like millions of aspiring singers in the Philippines, they considered singing as their way out of poverty. They endured stringent screenings, discriminating talent contests and long exhausting travels hoping to hit upon that most crucial break towards stardom and be 'discovered'. Like their ancestors, they were resilient and determined - refusing to give up despite a thousand and one heartachbreaks as they pursue their golden dream. Yes, they had - have - a dream to live for, hope for and fight for - and that dream is the fire that kept and continues to keep their spirit burning.

I envy them. Buti pa sila. They have a reason to wake up every morning. Thanks to that dream. Life, with all its strikes and surprises, is undoubtedly sweet!